A Basic Strategy for Blackjack

     
Dealer's Up Card
 
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
A
Your Hand I
17
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
16
s
s
s
s
s
h
h
h
h
h
15
s
s
s
s
s
h
h
h

h
h
14
s
s
s
s
s
h
h
h
h
h
13
s
s
s
s
s
h
h
h
h
h
12
h
h
s
s
s
h
h
h
h
h
II
11
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
h
10
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
h
h
9
h
d
d
d
d
h
h
h
h
h
5-8
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
III
A,8-10
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
A,7
s
d
d
d
d
s
s
h
h
h
A,6
h
d
d
d
d
h
h
h
h
h
A,5
h
h
d
d
d
h
h
h
h
h
A,4
h
h
d
d
d
h
h
h
h
h
A,3
h
h
h
d
d
h
h
h
h
h
A,2
h
h
h
d
d
h
h
h
h
h
IV
A,A,8,8
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
10,10
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
9,9
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
s
sp
sp
s
s
7,7
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
h
h
h
h
6,6
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
h
h
h
h
h
5,5
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
h
h
4,4
h
h
h
sp
sp
h
h
h
h
h
3,3
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
h
h
h
h
2,2
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
sp
h
h
h
h
   
                   
                         
    hit  
stand
  
double down
  split
 

The plays shown in this basic strategy table are commonly recognized as correct for a four-deck game However, for ease of use while sacrificing very little on accuracy, this strategy is recommended for any number of decks Generally, it will reduce the casino advantage to less than 1% over the long run.
The table has been separated into four sections according to frequency of use. Section I should be learned first, followed by Sections II, III, IV.
The correct play is found where your hand initially consists of 2 cards, intersects with the dealer's up card. Section I—stand or hit as indicated regardless of the number of cards you have. If your hand in sections II and III is made of 2 cards, play according to the table. If you Hit and now have 3 or more cards, doubling down is not allowed. Also, some casinos permit doubling down on 10 and 11 only. Hit when you can't double down with the exception of standing on a A,7 against a dealer 3-6, Section IV consists of pairs only. Note the sidebar information. Doubling down alter splitting and surrender are not always permitted so check with the dealer on house rules

 

Budget your gambling money for the trip and each playing session. Never gamble with money you can't afford to lose. Only increase your bet when winning.